You've
just received devastating news - there's something wrong with
your baby, and your dreams of the perfect pregnancy, delivery and
baby are shattered. You may now be faced with days or weeks, even
months until your baby's birth and wondering how you will cope,
what you will tell others, and how you'll manage through labor,
delivery and the aftermath. If you have other children, you may
wonder how this will affect them; you may even worry that you
will lose them too.
Please know that you are not alone. With the increased use of prenatal
testing, many parents find themselves in this situation. We hope
to provide you with some suggestions (all from parents who have
been there) on how to make it through your pregnancy, delivery,
and what follows.
If you've recently given birth and learned your baby has a fatal
problem, you may be faced with many decisions you've never
considered before. You may find yourself planning a funeral
before your baby has died and wondering what's wrong with this
picture. Should you take your baby home to die? Should you walk
away? Such painful and difficult decisions!
We don't have any answers for you, but we do have suggestions from
parents who have traveled a similar journey. Hopefully, we can
help you plan your baby's last few days and hours with love and
dignity. We'll hold your hand and cry with you. There's joy to
behold through the pain. Let us help you find it.